Granit Xhaka reveals how Arsene Wenger convinced him to sign for Arsenal

Granit Xhaka has revealed the reasons he signed for ArsenalGetty Images

New Arsenal signing Granit Xhaka has been told the club is football's answer to "paradise". The 23-year-old Swiss midfielder, who recently joined the club in a £30m ($43.7m) deal, has revealed Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger told him that he must join the Gunners if he wants to "enjoy football".

Xhaka is currently preparing for the start of Euro 2016, but has revealed how Wenger convinced him to join the north London club. "It was madness, he's a legend for me," Xhaka said.

"He suddenly is on the mobile and wants me. I will never forget his first sentence. He said: 'If you want to enjoy football, you have to join us. Here is the paradise.' He has an incredibly calm but convincing manner. It makes me proud to work under such a coach," explained Arsenal's latest signing, according to the German newspaper Bild.

Xhaka, who could soon be joined at Arsenal by Jamie Vardy, who is the subject of a £20m bid, admitted he was relieved to have sealed his big-money move ahead of the Euros. "It was very important [to complete the deal before the tournament], I wanted it by all means," the Arsenal star explained.

"It could be very costly if you don't have a clear mind during a tournament. Then agents or clubs call you all the time, you are just distracted. I am just delighted that everything's sorted now."

Meanwhile, Arsenal are still waiting on Vardy to confirm whether he wants to join the club after they were given permission to talk to the player. Like Xhaka, Vardy is currently on international duty at Euro 2016.